9th - 15th November 2012 Austria and Germany

6 night trip to Bayern and Austria, out and back with Queasyjet via Gatport - München, stopping one night in München, 3 nights in Salzburg and 2 nights in Bad Wörishofen, Cube, Spiney, Will and my Bruv came along for the first part of the trip, flying home from München on the Monday morning.

After a night in München visiting 3 contrasting beer halls: Unionsbräu, Hofbräuhaus and the Altes Hackerhaus we made our way to Salzburg via Mühldorf. At Salzburg we joined the Andrew Thompson/Desperate Railtours organised Branch Line Explorer and Diesel Trash Bash railtours covering various freight only lines and industrial sidings around Salzburg on Saturday afternoon before a mainline tour behind preserved GM 2050.05 visiting Simbach and the preserved line to the museum at Ampflwang. Also had chance to visit 2 of Salzburg's Brewpubs, the Weißbierbrauerei and the splendid Augustinerbräu complex with it's large beer halls, parade of shops, and beer served straight from the wood. Both were extremely busy and worth looking out for a repeat visit.

Once the rest of the lads had gone home on Monday I stayed on to do the special train over the Pinzgauer 760mm narrow gauge line from Zell am See to Krimml. A thoroughly enjoyable day with many photo stops which the Traincrew joined in with. Sadly the weather was typical of November with the mountains shrouded in cloud for much of the day.

After the railtours I made my way to one of my favourite haunts, Löwenbräu at Bad Wörishofen for a couple of nights sampling some of the usual Bayern Rabbit thrash as well as the hospitality of the brewery.

Excellent few days away, with thanks to the lads for the company and a big thanks to Andrew and Andy for organising the tours.